The AISI made the announcement at its 120th general meeting this week in Cambridge, Maryland.

Carrabba’s new responsibilities include advocacy efforts for the AISI as the steel industry moves to strengthen pro-manufacturing public policies to enhance the North American industry’s competitiveness.

He was previously the institute’s policy and planning committee and finance committee chairman.

“We welcome Joe’s leadership during a pivotal period for the North American steel industry,” AISI president and CEO Thomas Gibson said.

“Joe brings extensive advocacy skills and a breadth of industry insight and understanding of the global marketplace that will strengthen our issue advocacy to the benefit of AISI and our members.”

Carrabba said he was stepping up to the seat at a time when steel needs “to take hold of the challenges before us and turn them into opportunities”

“I believe the steel industry can continue to help lead the economy out of recession,” he said.

“We see this in how the industry is serving demand in the growing energy sector, including expansion of the domestic shale plays; by the strong reception for new advanced high strength steel in the automotive industry; and in the industry’s significant jobs multiplier impact, with every one job supporting seven jobs in other sectors.”

Carrabba, a former 22-year veteran of Rio Tinto, joined Cliffs in 2005 as president and chief operating officer. In 2006 he assumed his role of president and chief executive officer, and was elected chairman of the board in 2007.

Besides his AISI and Cliffs roles he is a director of the National Mining Association and Newmont Mining Corporation.

AISI has 25 member companies and 124 associate members who are suppliers to, or customers of the steel industry.